EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Another inmate at the El Paso County Detention Facility died just days after another inmate was pronounced dead at the Downtown jail, according to a custodial death report obtained by KTSM.
Matthew Jacob Cintron, 34, who was in custody for assault causing bodily injury and family violence, died shortly before 3 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 11, due to strangulation caused by hanging. His death was declared a suicide, according to the report.
Cintron had been arrested a day earlier at 1:34 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 10, by the El Paso Police Department under a warrant, according to the report.
The report states that Cintron was placed in a cellblock pending release from the Downtown jail when, at around 6 a.m., detention officers were conducting a physical check of the floor.
During the physical check, officers entered the cellblock and found Cintron in a seating position against the left wall of the cellblock with a lace wrapped around his neck, according to the report.
A medical emergency was immediately reported and appropriate protocols were activated.
Detention officers initiated and performed CPR while the El Paso Fire Department was notified and responded. Cintron was subsequently taken to the University Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead, according to the report.
KTSM 9 News reached out to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and got the following statement:
I can confirm we reported an in-custody death to the Texas Commission on Jail Standards and Attorney General’s Office on August 11, 2025. As required by law, all proper state authorities have been notified, and the matter is being handled in accordance with established protocols. The Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit, in coordination with the Texas Rangers, is conducting a thorough investigation. Additionally, as with any in-custody death, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards will review the circumstances to ensure full compliance with all jail standards. The safety and well-being of those in our custody remain a top priority, and we remain committed to upholding transparency and accountability in all matters.
El Paso County Sheriff’s Office
If you are having thoughts of suicide, you can call the national suicide prevention hotline at 988.
In the Borderland, anyone can access the Emergence Health Network Crisis Hotline at any time of the day or night. The hotline is manned by qualified mental health professionals at EHN available to the public 24/7/365 who are trained to assist in verbal de-escalation and link individuals who need help to local mental health resources in the community.
The EHN Crisis Hotline: (915) 779-1800.
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